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Setting up a business involves complying with a range of legal requirements. Find out which ones apply to you and your new enterprise.

Every business needs to be aware of its obligations under minimum wage and equal pay laws, as well as recent pensions auto-enrolment changes.

What particular regulations do specific types of business (such as a hotel, or a printer, or a taxi firm) need to follow? We explain some of the key legal issues to consider for 200 types of business.

While poor governance can bring serious legal consequences, the law can also protect business owners and managers and help to prevent conflict.

You must comply with legal restrictions on employees' working hours and time off, or risk claims, enforcement action and even prosecution.

The right employment policies are an essential part of effective staff management. Make sure any policy is clear and well communicated to employees.

Whether you want to raise finance, join forces with someone else, buy or sell a business, it pays to be aware of the legal implications.

While sick employees need to be treated fairly, you need to ensure that 'sickness' is not being used as cover for unauthorised absence.

Marketing matters. Marketing drives sales for businesses of all sizes by ensuring that customers think of their brand when they want to buy.

Most pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave and maternity pay, while new fathers are entitled to paternity leave and paternity pay.

Commercial disputes can prove time-consuming, stressful and expensive, but having robust legal agreements can help to prevent them from occurring.

As well as undermining morale, illegal discrimination can lead to workplace grievances. Employee discrimination is covered by the Equality Act 2010.

Whether your business owns or rents premises, your legal liabilities can be substantial. Commercial property law is complex, but you can avoid common pitfalls.

Home, remote and lone workers are becoming increasingly commonplace. Key issues include communication and how to manage and motivate people remotely.

With information and sound advice, living up to your legal responsibilities to safeguard your employees, customers and visitors need not be difficult or costly.

The right approach to consulting with and providing information to your employees can improve employee motivation and performance.

As information technology continues to evolve, legislation must also change. It affects everything from data protection and online selling to internet policies for employees.

Disciplinary and grievance issues can be a major burden to employers. Putting in place and following the right procedures is essential.

Following the right dismissal and redundancy procedures helps protect your business and minimise the risk of a legal dispute at tribunal.

Intellectual property (IP) isn't solely relevant to larger businesses or those involved in developing innovative new products: all products have IP.

Employment tribunal claims are a worrying prospect for any employer. A tribunal case is a no-win situation – even if the claim is unjustified.

Knowing how and when you plan to sell or relinquish control of your business can help you to make better decisions and achieve the best possible outcome.

From bereavement, wills, inheritance, separation and divorce to selling a house, personal injury and traffic offences, learn more about your personal legal rights.

News

October 2021

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The Autumn Budget 2021 was chock-full of spending pledges and support for businesses but business groups have questioned whether the measures go far enough for the UK's six million small firms.

A rise in the Living Wage, an end to the public sector wage freeze, more money for health, education, transport and housing - the Treasury has been releasing details of the chancellor's spending plans ahead of Wednesday's Budget.

New research by IPSE has found that changes to IR35 tax rules have had a devastating effect on UK contractors, prompting many of them to leave self-employment altogether.

This year's Small Business Saturday roadshow will visit 20 UK towns and cities to offer online and in-person support to local entrepreneurs.

More than one in ten UK workers are thinking about retraining in a trade as demand for plumbers, electricians, joiners and builders soars.

After a significant bounce-back in the spring, small business growth forecasts are still looking good and the number of small firms that fear they might not survive has hit its lowest level for two years.

A new study has found that less than one in three small business owners experiencing poor mental health have sought professional help.

A new poll of UK workers has found that start-ups are increasingly offering workplace benefits to help recruit and retain employees.

HMRC is reminding taxpayers to check that they have the correct information in order to complete their next tax return - including any payments from COVID-19 support schemes.

New research has found that two in five small business owners are concerned that their employees may move on to new jobs now that the furlough scheme has ended.

The latest survey by the Institute of Directors reveals that SME confidence plummeted in September and the Federation of Small Businesses has warned that small firms may be facing an "autumn storm".

New research has highlighted the plight of freelance workers that did not qualify for government support during the pandemic.